Smartphones In the Classroom

Smartphones are mobile phones that are used for communicating as well as computing functions.  Some may say that smartphones should be allowed in the classroom since the smartphone has features that may be found on a computer.  Compared to laptops, smartphones are much smaller and cheaper. Smartphones are similair to laptops in the fact that users can create powerpoints, spreadsheets, word documents, voice recordings, videos, etc.  Smartphones allow users to  have internet access as well, making information more acccessible.  So what's the problem with having smartphones in the classroom?  Since smartphones are also used for communication, students may find these tools distracting in the classroom if they decide to text message.  Texting may also lead to cheating on tests!  Not only do students have access to texting, they also have access to the internet, which could be another distraction.  Also, since the screen of a smartphone is rather small, teachers cannot monitor what the students are looking at which could be a big problem.  Teachers need to look at the pros and cons of the smartphones and see if they're really a necessary learning tool for the classroom.  In my opinion, the cons of using smartphones in the classroom outweigh the pros of using smartphones in the classroom.  Teachers may want to look into things that are not used for communicating, such as the iPad.



Education Apps for Smartphones-  There are plenty of apps for smartphones that can useful in education.  Click this link to see some of the basic ones you could use!

Industry Makes Pitch That Smartphones Belong In Classroom-  This is a newspaper article written by Matt Richtel and Brad Stone, discussing how smartphones can help help students with their math skills.






Image retrieved from:  www.flickr.com by StrebKR

iPads In the Classroom

   The iPad is a tablet computer produced by Apple that weighs in at 25 ounces.  Similair to the iPod touch and iPhone, the iPad also has a multitouch layout.  You are probably wondering why something like this would be good for the classroom.
   Ever hear your teachers nagging about "save the tress, don't waste paper?"  This is where the iPad comes in handy.  Since the iPad is an eBook reader, students have access to textbook information without the textbook!  Do you realize how much paper would be saved?  Not only would paper be saved, teachers wouldn't have to worry about students reading outdated information because  the information is continually updated.  Plus, the iPad is lighter than most textbooks these days!
  Other than the iPad being great for the use of textbooks, it also allows students to create slideshow presentations, spreadsheets, and do word processing.  With the iPad being able to do all of these things, teachers would no longer have to take students to a computer lab due to the iPad's mobility.  Students would have access to information at all times.  The iPad also has a lot apps that would be useful in the classroom as well, click the link 10 iPad Apps for the Classroom to see these.

Watch this 6 minute YouTube video to learn more about the iPad and how it can be used in the classroom.




10 iPad Apps for the Classroom-  This is just a small list of iPad apps that teachers can use with their students.

Want an iPad?-  Interested in buying an iPad?  Click this link and begin shopping!







Image retrieved from:  www.flickr.com by Yutaka Tsutano